Safety razor



C. B. STAIR SAFETY RAZOR june i6, 1936;

Filed Nov. `19, 1954 fag XZ.

Patented June 16, 1936 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in safety razors.

As well known to users of safety razors, in order to prevent rusting of the thin blades and 5 thereby prolong their usefulness, it is essential not only to remove the usual residue of shaving soap or cream remaining on the blade and associated parts after use but also to thoroughly dry the blade after each use. Failure to do this causes auicl; oxidation or rusting of the usual thin steel blade, particularly along thecutting edges, so that they cannot thereafter be re-used. Heretofore, so far as known, the common practice to effect the necessary drying of the blades after use, has been to rst rinse the razor parts either while in normally assembled condition, loosely assembled, or individually while entirely separate and then, with the blade entirely separate from the other parts of the razor, Wipe the blade dry with a cloth or towel. Not only does this procedure involve an appreciable amount of time, generally when the user has only a limited time available, but frequently results in cutting of the users lingers or the towels, or both, and, if the drying of the blade is not done promptly and regularly after each use of the razor, a certain amount of rust will form on the blade, which is transferred to the towel, all to the general irritation and annoyance of the razor user and owner of the towels.

One object of this invention is to provide an improved safety razor having incorporated therein simple, eicient and inexpensive means for eiectively, thoroughly, and substantially instantaneously drying the working parts of the razor, and particularly the usual wafer blade, after a use and rinsing thereof, all without disassembling the parts or detaching the blade and without the use of any extraneous devices or apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide .eans of the character indicated in the preceding paragraph which will accomplish the desired results by a rapid air-drying of the parts while the razor is held in the users hand and, more specically, by imparting a rapid rotation to the blade and/ or associated usual support and clamp, the drying being thus eliected in part by a centrifugal action to throw off the moisture and, in part, by rapid movement of the blade surfaces through the air.

In the use of certain so-called brushless shaving creams, diiculty is experienced in removing the usual residue by the ordinary rinsing methods either under the stream from a faucet or by agitation in a bowl of water, and a further object of the present invention is to utilize the novel means primarily intended for the drying of the razor parts, for facilitating the quick removal of such cream residues that are otherwise diiiicult to remove by ordinary methods.

A more specic object of the invention is to provide means for accomplishing the results indicated in the preceding paragraph such that said means may be readily incorporated in most of the commercial types of safety razors now on the market without necessitating any change in the distinctive or characteristic features thereof employed in the mounting and retaining of the blades.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly appear from the description and claims hereinafter following.

In the drawing forming a part of this specilication, Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a safety razor showing the improvements incorporated therein, the particular safety razor chosen for illustration being of a well-known commercial type as regards the blade, support and clamping arrangement. Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with parts of the handle structure shown in longitudinal section and with the blade and clamp loosened or adjusted to separate the edge portions of the blade from the clamp. Figure 3 is a View similar to Figure 1 with the blade assembly proper omitted and illustrating the condition of the elements of the handle means after the spring has been released. Figure 4 is a transverse sectional View corresponding substantially to the line l-l of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a broken detail perspective view of the inner end of the handle member proper. And Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 2 of the blade assembly only and illustrating another way in which the blade may be loosened and positioned preparatory to the whirling motion to be imparted thereto for drying and/0r cleansing.

In said drawing, the razor is shown as comprising a combined blade-support and guard A; a wafer blade B; a clamp and blade-tensioning member C; a spindle D; a handle member proper E; a spring F; and a plunger G.

The combined support and guard A is of wellknown form having a at supporting surface proper lil and a series of laterally spaced curved guard lingers vI l-II along each longitudinal edge thereof, the supporting surface having a longitudinally extending groove I2 with which cooperates a corresponding longitudinally extending rib I3V formed vintegrally with the curved 55 clamping member C. In the type of safety razor shown, the rectangular Wafer blade B is centrally slotted to receive therethrough the rib I3 and the blade is flexed to the desired curvature over the rounded edges I4 of the support when the clamp is pulled up tightly by the well known threaded stem l5 of the clamping member which is extended through the blade and also through the support A, where it is engaged by the interiorly threaded or nut formation IE on the inner end of the spindle member D. In Figure 1, the razor parts proper are shown in condition for shaving, wherein the blade B is curved and tightly clamped and the operating nut and threaded parts screwed together tightly. In 'the particular type of razor shown, the curved clamp C is provided with four corner bosses 'Il which are accommodated through the four notched vcorners of the blade as best indicated in Figure `1 so that the active cutting edges I8 will normally bear against the :longitudinally -lat edges I9 of the v*clamp between each pair of bosses -I`I on each lside thereof.

In carrying out the present invention, the spindle member :D which is employed to detachably lock the support A, blad-e B and clamp C, is formed at its inner end with a cylindrical bearing 2U. .Said bearing is provided at its outer end Ywith .a pair of diametrically disposed inclined slots ,21| each with a relatively large flart ing mouth adapted tofacilitate admission there- .into .and release therefrom, of the hook shaped inner `end :22 of the spring F, for the purpose hereinafter described. The bearing section 20 is also provided with a radially extended pin 23 constituting part of Va Vratchet mechanism for a purpose hereinafter described, said pin being 1ocated preferably closely adjacent k'a knurled section 24 vformed :on the spindle element.

The plunger G, which is extended entirely through the handle member E, may be formed integrally with the 'spindle element D, but, preferably for manufacturing purposes, is separately .formed and .driven endvvise with a wedge friction t at .its inner end into a corresponding recess on the .bearing section 20 'of the spindle. At its louter-.end the plunger G is of slightly eniarged diameter., as .indicated at .25, the same forming another kbearing for the outer end of `the handle E, and the main portion of the plunger providing an arbor like support for the spring F, as .clear .from .Figure 2.

The handle member E proper is preferably in 'the form .of a hollow cylindrical .tube 'suitably knurled on 'its :outer surface, as indicated rat 26, a-nd having an enlarged solid section 2! at its outer end, the latter .preferably being separately formed and provided with a reduced diameter bushing `28 lwhich .is driven with a Wedge friction fit within the outer end of the handle member E proper as shown in Figurei2. With the construction described, it will be seen that the handle member E is rotatably mounted with respect to the spindle and plunger G .at both ends of the handle ymember iand, furthermore, is adapted for longitudinal'movement with reference thereto for a limited extent which Sis governed Vby the collar 29 at the 1outer end of lthe plunger, which collar, when the plunger is -operated as hereinafter described, is adapted to be pushed .Within a correspondingannular recess 3l] provided in the outer handle section '21, as shown in Figure 3. The inner end-ofthe handle member E is provided with preferably two diametrically disposed bayonet notches or recesses -3I--3.I constituting with pin 23a ratchet connection, said notches or recesses being adapted to selectively cooperate with the pin 23 to permit relative rotary movement between the handle and spindle members and also to hold the handle in fixed-position with reference to the spindle D so as to retain the springF under stored tension as hereinafter described.

The razor is used in the ordinary manner with the parts in the condition shown in Figure l, during which .time the spring F may or may not be under appreciable tension but, as will be observed, the handle is interlocked with the spindle D and assembly of razor parts proper by means of the pin and bayonet slot formations 23, 3l.

At .the end of the shaving operation, the razor i blade assembly is loosened by unscrewing the nut section of the spindle from the threaded stem :I5 vpartially as shown in Figure 2 but not so as to completely detach the blade, clamp, etc.

With the parts partially loosened, the clamp C and bladeB may then be turned angularly with reference to the support A and the rib I3 of the cla-mp withdrawn from its slot in the blade B and also lfrom the slot I2 of the support and the parts adjusted as shown in Figure 2, where both the clamp C and blade B are angularly rotated withreference `to the support, the clamp more than the blade. In this condition, the end section of the spindle may then be tightened up so .as to hold the assembly taut but, as will be 3 observed, the edgeportions of the blade are fully clear of any adjacent surfaces of either the clamp C `or .support A and, hence, all edge portions, particularly of the blade, are freely accessible to contact with air v:or rinsing water. Ordinarily, the user will rinse the usual residue of shaving cream or lsoap under a faucet or in a bowl of water either when the razor is in the condition ishown in .Figure 1 or yas shown in Figure 2 and the razor is then ready for the next or drying operation.

The drying isaccomplished as follows: Either `before or after the loosening of the blade assembly vfrom 4the condition shown in Figure 1 to Ythat vshown in Figure 2, the user will rotate Ithe handle member E in the direction indicated :by the arrow -x in Figure 1, relative to the spindle memberD, `the latter being conveniently gripped by the :knurled section 24 and the handle, of course, by the knurled portions thereof. As the handle member is 'thus rotated, and to which the 'outer end of the spring is secured as indi- 'catediat 33, the inner hooked end 22 of the spring will, if it has not previously been so engaged, enter :the slot 21| :of the spindle member and :consequently `be tcrsioned by the rotation of the handle. .During lthis rotation, the inner end of the 'handle-member will, on account of the sloping edges 34 thereof adjacent the notches BI, slide over the pin 23 but the handle member will be caught by the -pin when released so as to prevent unwinding or `untensioning of the spring. During this loperation of tensioning the spring the 'userwilL of course, exert some force to maintain the handle E in its innermost position relative to the spindle member D. By use of a properly designed spring, experience has shown that the handle member `E need be rotated only about 'one full turn relative to the spindle D in order to set .up the necessary tension within the spring.

After the vspring has been tensioned as above indicated, and assuming the blade assembly rinsed and .ready for drying, the user then, while the handle portion is gripped in his hand, depresses the plunger G conveniently with his thumb. Depression of the plunger G with reference to the handle E, releases the engagement between the pin 23 and the notch 3l with which it has been in engagement, whereupon the stored energy of the spring is immediately released and imparts to the spindle D and assembly o-f support A, blade B and clamp C an exceedingly rapid rotative movement. The energy so released and converted is sufficient to set up enough momentum in the blade assembly to rotate the latter a relatively large number of revolutions so that, after the rst revolution or revolution and a half with reference to the handle member E and spring F which is retained thereby, the spring F will have been relieved of its tension and the momentum imparted to the blade assembly will continue the rotation of the latter and the hooked end 22 of the spring will automatically disengage itself from the slot 2l and continue to ride on the dat end 36 of the bearing section 20, as will be evident. By reason of the extremely rapid rotation imparted to the blade assembly, any loose moisture not only on the blade but on the support and clamp will be thrown oif by centrifugal force and the continued rotation in the air will effect a substantial instantaneous drying of all the parts. As will be evident from inspection of Figure 3, not only does the collar 29 of the plunger prevent disassemb-ling of the handle member from the other parts but due to its being disposed within the recess 3l), retardation of the rotative movement is prevented since the users thumb will no longer contact the plunger when it and the spindle and associated parts commence their rapid rotation. After the drying as above described, the handle member may then be pushed down so as to eifect engagement of the pin and notch '2S-3l and the spring tensioned at that time if desired. The blade assembly is then loosened and the parts restored to their normal condition as shown in Figure 1, thus placing the razor in condition for use. In actual practice, the loosening and positioning of the blade preparatory to the drying operation and the tensioning of the spring and subsequent release may all be eiTected in a few seconds, thus doing entirely away with the necessity of completely removing the blade and drying it as has heretofore been customary.

As will also be obvious, the same rotative effect may be employed in rinsing the blade assembly where it is found difcult to remove some of the shaving creams by the ordinary rinsing methods. In such cases, the spring would of course be tensioned twice, once for effecting the rinsing operation and again for the drying operation.

Referring to Figure 6, this illustrates another method by which the blade assembly may be conditioned for the operation with the particular type of razor chosen for illustration. As there shown, the clamp and blade are loosened as before but instead of fully disengaging the rib I3 of the clamp from the slot in the blade, it is left partially within the blade and the blade and clamp both angularly adjusted simultaneously and equally with reference to the support A so that the clamping pressure when re-tightened is effected directly between the clamp C and support A, thus leaving the blade B free to oat or Vibrate between the clamp and support with the same results as previously described.

As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the handle, spindle and plunger may all be readily manufactured very cheaply in quantities and quickly assembled. The additional cost is comparatively slight and no changes are involved in the essential characteristic features of the blade assembly and use thereof. As further evident, the improvements may be incorporated either in 5 new razors or the handle, spindle, plunger, spring assembly may be substituted for the regular handles of razors now in use.

The construction herein shown and described is what is now considered the preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly as applied to the particular type of razor chosen for illustration. It is obvious, however. that many changes in details of construction and formation of the parts may be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention and that the improvements may be incorporated in various other types of safety razors, all without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and mo-dications are contemplated that come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A combined handle and rotating device for safety razors, comprising a spindle member having means at one end for removable connection to the razor head, said spindle having a bearing portion terminating in an axially extending plunger, a handle member journaled at one end on said bearing'portion and journaled at its opposite end on said plunger for limited axial movement relative thereto, spring tension means housed within and secured at one end to one of said members and detachably secured at its other end to the other of said members, and a ratchet connection between said handle member and the bearing portion of said spindle member for releasably securing said spindle and handle members together to permit relative rotary movement therebetween in one direction to place said spring tension means under torsional strain, whereby axial movement of said plunger relative to said handle member releases the spindle from said ratchet connection for free and rapid rotation imparted by the stored energy of said spring tension means.

2. A combined handle and rotating device for safety razors, comprising a spindle having means at one end for removable connection to the razor head, said spindle having a bearing portion provided with a recess and also having an axially extending plunger secured thereto, a handle member journaled at one end on said bearing portion and journaled at its opposite end on said plunger for limited axial movement relative thereto, the free end of said plunger in one position projecting beyond the end of said handle and in another position being housed within said handle, spring tension means housed within and secured to said handle member, the opposite end of said spring tension means being detachably housed in the recess o-f said bearing portion, and a pin and slot connection for releasably securing said spindie to said handle to permit relative rotary movement therebetween in one direction only to place said spring tension means under torsional strain, and inward pressure on said plunger relative to said handle releases said pin and slot connection and said spring to permit free rotation of said spindle imparted by the store-d energy of said spring tension means.

3. A combined handle and rotating device for safety razors, comprising a spindle member having means at one end for removable connection to the razor head, said spindle having a bearing portion and an axially extending plunger, a

- plunger relative to said handle releasing the spindle therefrom for free rotation imparted by the stored energy of said spring tension means, said spring and said spindle .being automatically separated from one another after initial rotative impetus has been imparted to said spindle by said spring.

4. A combined handle and rotating device for safety razors, comprising a spindle having means at one end for removable connection to the razor head, said spindle having a bearing portion and an axially extending plunger, a handle member journaled at one end on said bearing portion and journaled at its opposite end on said plunger for limited axial movement relative thereto, spring tension means housed within and secured to said handle member, said spring tension means surrounding said plunger and detachably secured to said spindle, and ratchet means for releasably securing said spindle to said handle, said ratchet means when engaged permitting relative. rotary movement therebetween in one direction only to place said spring tension means under torsional strain, axial movement of said plunger relative to said handle releasing said ratchet means and the spindle therefrom for free vrotation .of said spindle imparted by the stored energy of said spring tension means, said spring and said spindle being automatically separated from one another after initial rotative impetus has been imparted to said spindle by said spring.

5. A combined handle and rotating device for safety razors, comprising a spindle having means at one end for removable connection to the razor head, said spindle having a bearing portion provided with a recess and also having an axially extending plunger secured thereto, a handle member journaled at one end on said bearing portion and journaled at its opposite end on said plunger for limited axial movement relative thereto, the

free end of said plunger in one position projecting beyond the end of said handle and in depressed position being housed Within said handle, spring tension means housed within and secured to said handle. member, the opposite end of said spring tension means surrounding said plunger anddetachably engaged with the recess of said bearing portion, and a pin and slot connection between said spindle and said handle to permit relative rotary movement therebetween in one direction only to place said spring tension means under torsional strain, whereby the inward movement of said plunger relative to said handle disengages said pin and slot connection and releases said spring to permit free rotation of said spindle imparted by the stored energy of said spring tension means, one end of said spring being automatically disengaged from the recess in said bearing portion of the spindle after initial rotative impetus has been imparted to said spindle by said spring.

CARLYLE B. STAIR. 

